David DePape Convicted Of Assaulting Nancy Pelosi’s Husband

On Thursday, David DePape was convicted by a jury on charges of assaulting Paul Pelosi, the spouse of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California), that took place in their San Francisco residence last year.

A federal court ruled that DePape was guilty of committing assault against a relative of a federal official and using a weapon deemed dangerous by the jury. Additionally, he was charged with the attempted kidnapping of a federal official. A maximum sentence of 30 years and 20 years for each respective charge could be imposed on him.

During the court proceedings, DePape showed no apparent response to the verdict. The sentencing came after DePape testified in his own defense.

Pelosi shared publicly, for the first time, the details of the night when he was brutally attacked with a hammer and the challenging process of his rehabilitation afterward.

The horrific attack in October 2022 deeply affected Washington, as it occurred amidst growing threats against government officials. This alarming event raised concerns about the violence that originates from increasingly hostile political speech.

In the aftermath, members of Congress contemplated their own safety, still haunted by the lingering fear of political violence following the U.S. Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, and other incidents targeting lawmakers in recent times.